Spinola Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small bay in St Julian's (San Ġiljan) in 3–5m over sand with rocky patches and fair holding. Protected from S and SW — the St Julian's headland provides some shelter from the south sector. Exposed to N, NE, and E — directly in the Gregale corridor. In Gregale (NE gale, Nov–Mar) this bay is completely untenable and dangerous: run immediately for Msida Marina (2nm S) or Grand Harbour at first Gregale warning. The bay is crowded with local fishing boats and small craft on their own permanent moorings — anchoring space is very limited and the inner bay is effectively occupied. Primarily a day anchorage for visiting swimmers. The outer bay is the only area with room to swing. Avoid rocky outcrops on both headlands. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm: no tidal corrections needed. 70m radius accounts for the limited bay space and fair holding in shallow sand.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Spinola Bay is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Report to Valletta VTS on VHF Ch 16/12 at 10nm and 2 hours before arrival. Provide vessel name, call sign, ETA, and last port of call. Follow VTS berth instructions.
2. Anchor in 3–5m. Malta's tidal range is negligible (<30cm) — no tidal correction needed, but wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m is possible in strong winds.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (25m chain at 5m depth) on a mud or sand bottom for maximum holding.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Spinola Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds and swell. The primary overnight hazard in the Grand Harbour area is the Gregale NE gale (Nov–Mar): if a Gregale develops, move to Kalkara Creek or Dockyard Creek for complete shelter, or run south to Marsaxlokk Bay.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below. 70m radius in 3–4m sand/rock. Fair holding — sand with rocky patches; not reliable in strong conditions. N/NE/E exposure — Gregale makes this anchorage dangerous and untenable; Msida Marina (2nm S) is the refuge. Mediterranean tidal range <30cm.

Day anchorage only, May–September. N/NE/E exposure and Gregale risk make Spinola Bay completely unsuitable from October onwards. Summer months are extremely busy with swimmers, jet skis, and tourist activity. The bay is most pleasant on calm weekday mornings in May–June before the summer crowds arrive. Do not anchor overnight here at any time of year — the combination of N/NE exposure and Paceville nightlife noise makes it entirely unsuitable for overnight use.

Navigation Hazards

• N/NE/E exposure — Gregale from NE makes this bay dangerous immediately; leave for Msida Marina (2nm S) at first Gregale forecast without delay
• Very crowded — local fishing boats and small craft occupy most of the bay on permanent moorings; anchoring space is extremely limited
• Jet skis and water sports in summer — anchor in the outer bay clear of the inner swimming zone
• Nightlife noise June–September until 03:00 or later — completely unsuitable for overnight sleep

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs formalities for EU boats arriving from EU ports. Non-EU boats: clear customs at Grand Harbour (24/7) or Mġarr Gozo (24/7). Fly yellow Q flag. EES biometric recording required for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Valletta VTS: Mandatory report on VHF Ch 16/12 at 10nm and 2 hours before arrival. Commercial vessels have absolute priority at all times.
• Anchoring fee: Free — very limited space; day anchorage only
• Restrictions: Day anchorage only — overnight not recommended (N/NE exposure and nightlife noise). Very limited anchoring space — most of the bay is occupied by local boat moorings. Anchor in the outer bay only, clear of the swimming zone and fishing boat mooring areas. In Gregale forecast: leave immediately for Msida Marina (2nm S) or Grand Harbour. Jet ski and water sports zones apply in summer.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: St Julian's / Paceville (0.1nm)
• Restaurant: St Julian's waterfront restaurants are excellent and directly accessible from the bay — dinghy landing at the bay head. Spinola Bay is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and the Paceville entertainment district. Full provisions, ATMs, and supermarkets in St Julian's. No dockside facilities at the anchorage.
• Provisions: None on site — St Julian's / Paceville (0.1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Day anchorage only — Paceville nightlife noise makes overnight impossible
2. Arrive early (before 09:00) in summer to find space in the outer bay
3. St Julian's waterfront restaurants are among the best in Malta — accessible directly from the bay
4. Msida Marina (2nm S) is the proper overnight alternative — book ahead in July–August
5. At first Gregale forecast: leave immediately — N/NE exposure with no shelter